RESIDENTS of East Lothian's newest town are eager to see progress made on creating a town centre and opening shops, as housebuilding continues apace. 

The town of Blindwells, located between Tranent, Prestonpans and Longniddry, is currently under construction, with plans already approved for 1,600 homes there.

Also planned are a new primary school, a healthcare hub, shops and many other services needed to establish a "thriving new community".

READ MORE: Plans for shops at Blindwells could be decided on this year  

In March 2022, the Courier reported that a family of five had become the first residents to move into the new town.

Meanwhile, work on the town's primary school got under way this May. 

However, Blindwells residents are keen for the planned facilities to open as soon as possible, as, with nothing but houses in the town currently, they face a trip elsewhere for everything from taking children to school to picking up shopping.

Housebuilding is ongoing at Blindwells (Image: NQ Staff)

Issues raised included the lack of infrastructure, including shops, schools, paths, public transport links and a town centre, and it is hoped that these elements will help create a community feel once completed. 

The Courier spoke with a number of residents on Monday to find out more about what life in the new town was like. 

READ MORE: First look at what Blindwells High Street could look like

Johnny Love has lived in the town for nearly two years since moving from Berwick-upon-Tweed. 

Johnny Love is a keen walker and would like more paths to get out and about (Image: NQ Staff) Originally from Northern Ireland, the 41-year-old oil worker is a keen walker and told us: "As soon as there are more paths, I am happy, as at the moment I feel like a caged animal.

"A housing estate is a long process and these things do take time, even years, and everyone is reasonable and realistic, but it would be good to even have a temporary shop, in a Portacabin or something, to keep us going. 

"Rush-hour traffic is a real worry for me; at the moment it is okayish but, if we have 300 or 400 more homes all relying on the same exits, it is going to cause real issues." 

READ MORE: Blindwells could be ‘parasitic’ to Prestonpans, it is feared

Alistair Duff, 57, moved to Blindwells from Fort William with his wife and, while working on his garden, spoke all about life in the new town. 

Alistair Duff spoke about his experience of living in Blindwells (Image: NQ Staff) He said: "It would be great to have a town centre made.

"Shops and other stores are critical to a community but these things do take time. 

"Our kids are all grown up, so the school does not affect us, but there are a lot of young children and it is very important to a lot of families. 

"At the moment, we are sort of a housing estate in the middle of nowhere, but a proper permanent shop would go a long way to get your milk and essentials and things like that." 

READ MORE: More than 200 new homes could be built at Blindwells

Chelsey Anderson, 30, a receptionist, has lived in the estate for about a year. 

She said: "It would be really good to have a gym, shop, town centre, as it would be nice to walk somewhere rather than having to drive everywhere. 

"I drive, which is great, but for others that don't, it must be tricky."

Previously, Bruce Lindsay, development director at landowners Hargreaves Land, updated the Courier on the latest plans for the town.

He said:  “With regards to the planning application for the new town centre, Hargreaves Land is confident that there will be a decision later this year.

“If successful, this would lead to the development of a wide range of commercial spaces including retail and leisure units, community and wellbeing facilities as well as new business space.

An artist's impression of the planned new town centre in Blindwells (Image: NQ Staff)

“Hargreaves Land is looking to provide a range of facilities for residents to help make Blindwells a sustainable community.

“From the point of receiving planning permission, it is likely to take two to three years until Blindwells has occupied commercial units.

“This is due to the required lead-in times, construction and marketing periods, and the time it takes for occupiers to undertake their own internal fitouts.

“In the meantime, Hargreaves Land is keen to provide a temporary retail amenity for residents and is hopeful that early in 2025 this will be in place.

“A temporary community space has already been put in place by Hargreaves Land.”